Newark Liberty International will become the nation's first major hub to test a new satellite navigation technology to help reduce flight delays, under an agreement approved last week by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's Board of Commissioners.
The technology, called Ground Based Augmentation System (GBAS), will help to reduce air traffic control congestion at Newark by increasing navigational precision compared with traditional radar-based systems, according to the port authority. Planes using GBAS will be able to fly closer together and land more efficiently, without reducing safety.
The port authority said it has agreed with FAA and Continental to conduct demonstrations of GBAS technology. The port authority has authorized $2.5 million to cover the costs and oversee a contract with Honeywell to buy, install and maintain the GBAS system.
Continental will invest $1.1 million to outfit 15 planes with GBAS equipment and train pilots to use the system. FAA has committed up to $2.5 million to assess the technology and expand its use.
